Greek Beef Stifado

Savor the rich flavors of Greek Beef Stifado with chuck steak, shallots, garlic, red wine, tomato passata, and aromatic spices. A hearty, rustic Greek stew that’s perfect for sharing!

Personal Story Behind the Recipe:

I first encountered Greek Beef Stifado on a trip to Greece when I was wandering through a bustling little village on a warm summer evening. The aroma of sizzling meat and spices wafted through the narrow cobbled streets, leading me straight to a family-run taverna. There, I sat down at a rustic wooden table, surrounded by the warm chatter of locals. When the dish arrived, it was a sight to behold—tender chunks of beef bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce with a perfect balance of spices. One bite, and I was hooked. The stew was comforting, hearty, and incredibly flavorful, made even more special by the shared experience of eating with loved ones. When I returned home, I knew I had to recreate this unforgettable dish. Now, every time I make this Greek Beef Stifado, I’m transported back to that table in the taverna, surrounded by the laughter and warmth of friends and family. It’s a dish that brings people together, and the best part? It’s so simple to make, yet so full of complex, delicious flavors.

Unique Selling Points:

This Greek Beef Stifado is not just a stew—it’s an experience! Here’s why this recipe is sure to become a favorite:

• Rich, Aromatic Flavor: The combination of tender chuck steak, sweet shallots, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice creates a depth of flavor that’s both savory and comforting.
• Perfect for Sharing: This dish is best enjoyed with loved ones. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for family-style meals where everyone can dive in together.
• Slow-cooked Tender Meat: The chuck steak becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after simmering for hours, soaking up all the rich flavors from the sauce.
• Authentic Greek Dish: A true taverna classic, this Greek Beef Stifado brings the authentic flavors of Greece straight to your kitchen.
• Versatile: Serve it with crispy fresh bread to dip in the sauce or pair it with rice or mashed potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients Notes:

Before diving into this mouthwatering Greek Beef Stifado recipe, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make it a truly special dish:

• Chuck Steak: This cut of beef is ideal for slow cooking. It’s tough at first, but once simmered for hours, it breaks down into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, soaking up the rich tomato sauce and spices.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil is essential for browning the meat and sautéing the shallots. It adds richness and depth to the overall flavor of the stew.
• Shallots: Shallots are slightly milder and sweeter than onions, making them the perfect complement to the beef. Their delicate flavor infuses the sauce, balancing out the spices.
• Garlic: Chopped garlic is sautéed with the shallots, providing a fragrant base for the stew that enhances the overall depth of the dish.
• Red Wine: Red wine adds a rich, robust flavor to the sauce and helps deglaze the pot, lifting any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. It also tenderizes the meat as it simmers.
• Tomato Passata: This smooth tomato puree serves as the base for the sauce, creating a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet backdrop for the beef and spices.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Cloves, Allspice, Bay Leaves): These spices are what truly define the flavor of Greek Beef Stifado. The cinnamon adds warmth, the cloves provide a subtle depth, and the allspice and bay leaves give a complex, aromatic backdrop.
• Water: Added to reach the meat, water helps create the stew’s sauce and ensures the meat remains tender as it cooks.
• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and a fresh, herbal note to finish off the dish.

Recipe Breakdown (Step-by-Step):

Step 1: Brown the Meat
Begin by heating the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chunks of chuck steak in batches, browning them on all sides. This step does not require the meat to be fully cooked through, just browned to lock in flavor. Once browned, remove the steak from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary and sauté the shallots for about 2 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring the garlic does not burn. This creates a fragrant base for the stew.

Step 3: Add Wine and Tomato Passata
Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This is where all the rich flavors from the meat are hiding. Then, add the tomato passata and spices—cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and bay leaves—stirring well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Return the browned meat to the pot and add enough water to just cover the meat. Stir everything together, bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, checking occasionally. Stir gently to ensure the shallots don’t break apart. If the stew becomes too thick, add more water as needed.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Once the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.

Storage Options:

This Greek Beef Stifado can be stored and enjoyed over multiple days, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

• In the Refrigerator: Store the stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to deepen as it sits, so leftovers are even better the next day.
• In the Freezer: If you have more leftovers than you can finish, freeze the stew in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating it on the stovetop. You may need to add a little water or broth to loosen it up as it reheats.

Variations and Substitutions:

While this Greek Beef Stifado is perfect as-is, there are some fun ways to change it up:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or even lentils for a vegetarian-friendly stew that still packs in all the rich, aromatic flavors.
• Spicy Twist: Add a few red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the stew for a spicy kick that complements the warm spices in the dish.
• Different Meat: While chuck steak is traditional, you can also use lamb, which is another popular choice for Greek stews. Lamb adds its own unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Tomato Paste Substitute: If you don’t have passata, you can use tomato paste with a bit of water or crushed tomatoes for a slightly different texture, though passata is preferred for its smooth consistency.